Distributor Exclusive Networks has expanded its global footprint by establishing its first presence in sub-Saharan Africa with the acquisition of cybersecurity specialist distributor Networks Unlimited.
Exclusive says Networks Unlimited is a major regional value-added distributor serving 38 national markets in Africa with its portfolio of cybersecurity and infrastructure solutions.
It added that Networks Unlimited has been a consistent and influential presence in the African IT distribution landscape for over 27 years, with deep partner links and established cybersecurity expertise.
In addition to its headquarters in South Africa, it has further operations in Kenya and Mauritius, transacting with partners throughout a total of 38 African countries including Nigeria and Ghana.
“This is the perfect acquisition for us in Africa – I’m pleased to welcome Networks Unlimited into the global Exclusive family and believe this brings a host of benefits and opportunities to all our partners,” said Jesper Trolle, CEO at Exclusive Networks. “As well as filling in more of the global map with Exclusive Networks’ presence, we see enormous potential in the broader African market that we can now serve from offices throughout the continent and our regional logistics hub in UAE, which complements our established business in North Africa.”
Networks Unlimited managing director, Anton Jacobsz, and two co-founders Craig Copeland and Wayne Bird will remain shareholders and they’ll continue to manage the company together with The Love Trust, the companies Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) partner in South Africa.
Following the acquisition, Exclusive Networks Africa will remain a Level 1 B-BBEE company, the distributor said.
Furthermore, Networks Unlimited will operate under the Exclusive Networks brand once integration work has been finalised, expected in early 2022. The company will form part of an enlarged Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, headed by Nathan Clements, Exclusive’s regional director.
“This is great news for our staff and all our customers and partners. It’s not the end of our journey, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter where we can accomplish so much more with the global reach and resources of Exclusive Networks,” said Jacobsz. “I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the region to extend our partner offer, particularly around services, and to continue the high standards our customers are accustomed to.”
